According to an age old story in the Philippines, sometime during the 13th century a group of 10 tribal chiefs known as belonging to the clan ‘Datus’ were fleeing from Borneo to escape the clutches of a tyrant by the name of Sultan Makatunaw. After days of sailing the waters they arrived at Philippines which was inhabited by the Ati people; the tribes of Panay Island. Datu Puti who was the travellers’ chief minister traded bales of exquisite cloth, brass basins and golden salakot with the natives in order to buy land. To further create goodwill, the Ati chief’s wife was gifted with a beautiful golden necklace which was extremely long. The Ati-Atihan festival intricately tied with this incident. Some believe that the grateful ‘Datus’ …

Sentosa Flower Festival is a much awaited annual event organized to celebrate the colours of Spring. If you are looking for conveniently located accommodation to catch all the action in Singapore, find a Orchard Road hotel Singapore as it gives you easy access to all the main attractions and exciting events. Orchard Hotel Singapore, which is a renowned hotel Singapore has in store for you, promises world class services during your stay in this vibrant city. This colourful event has an exciting programme lined up for all its visitors. Thematic Gardens, Giant Floral Walls, sculpture displays, Hawker streets and Festive markets are some of the breathtaking events which are organized in this floral extravaganza.

Parisians come out on to the streets in thousands to participate in this cheerful festival. The walk of masks and the processions are the two types of events that happen at the carnival. People disguised in huge numbers parade the streets and so many curious people come to see them at the given time and location. The modern day carnival is run by the MACAQ – the movement for the cultural and artistic Liveliness of the Quarter . The festival accompanies more than 1500 participants and over 40000 spectators in 2009 , growing from 10000 in 2007 . With interesting themes such as the 2010 theme of Improbable couples the festival is looked forward to by many. The 2013 carnival theme has been, announced as …

The traditional New Year is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the majority of the residents of Sri Lanka. Interestingly the timing and nature of the New Year celebrations bear affinity with the corresponding traditions amongst several South and South-east Asian peoples. The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April and is marked as a public holiday in the country. This auspicious occasion is considered to herald the ending of spring and the harvest season. The distinctive traditions and rituals are said to be derived from the rich history and cultural traditions of the nation. These beliefs were influenced by the advent of Buddhism, the main religion of the country, to create the colourful and vibrant customs and rites …

Sri Lanka’s National Day, also called Independence Day is a very important occasion for all Sri Lankans. On this day all Sri Lankan citizens unite to affirm their national pride and joy in the autonomy and unity of their country. This significant event falls on February 4th, the day on which independence was granted to the nation from the colonial power Britain in the year 1948. An important national holiday, this event is an occasion for countrywide celebrations with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, performances and dances. Sri Lanka in its rich and eventful history has experienced numerous national conflicts, and these struggles are all recalled and commemorated on this day; however, the independence struggle against the last colonizers, the British Empire is particularly remembered. The highlight …

The day of Nyepi is a very important occasion for the Balinese. Falling at the dawn of the New Year according to the Balinese traditional calendar, Nyepi is a Hindu festivity which is native to Bali. A national holiday in Indonesia, Nyepi is a time for fasting, silence and meditation for the people of Bali. The subsequent day is celebrated as the commencement of the New Year, and is also a day of festivity. Nyepi is observed strictly, from 6 am in the morning to the same hour the following day. The occasion is considered to be a time for self-reflection, when any diversions and activities which might hinder with this objective are proscribed. Accordingly on this day there are many restrictions on the Balinese …